Srinagar, Apr 24: Following the decision of the Government of India (GoI) to downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday said it has “scaled down” the retreat ceremony held at Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadki along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
A BSF spokesman said, “These steps reflect India’s serious concern over cross-border hostilities. Peace and provocation cannot coexist. As part of this calibrated decision the BSF is suspending the symbolic handshake of the Indian guard commander with the counterpart and the border gates will remain closed during the ceremony.”
The spokesman said, “All other drills will continue and common people will be allowed to witness this daily flag-lowering ceremony.”
Pertinently, twenty-six men, mostly tourists and including a Nepalese citizen, were shot dead by the terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam earlier this week plunging the entire nation into mourning.
In the aftermath of the attack India has launched a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan and taken a number of counter-measures linking these attacks to the neighbouring country.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday decided to put the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect. The integrated checkpost at Attari was closed. Pakistani nationals who entered India through valid endorsements were asked to return through that route before May 1, 2025. Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). All previously issued SVES visas are deemed cancelled. Pakistani nationals currently in India under SVES visas must leave the country within 48 hours.
The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and have one week to leave India. India will also withdraw its corresponding Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in both High Commissions stand annulled. The total strength of the High Commissions will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1. (KNO)
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